Anti-Incumbency Led To BJD’s Poll Debacle In Odisha: Ex-MLA Pravat Biswal

Cuttack: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Choudwar-Cuttack MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal has said that anti-incumbency was among the major reasons behind the regional party’s debacle in the recent elections.

Stating that BJD remained in power in the state for over 24 years, Biswal said the regional party dominated the political turf in the state for such a long time because of Naveen Patnaik’s charisma, popularity and clean image.

Because of his dynamism and dedication to the people of Odisha, Naveen became Chief Minister for five consecutive terms, he said while speaking at an event in Cuttack.

However, BJD’s victory in successive elections and its continuation in government probably gave rise to some anti-incumbency mood among the people of the state, the ex-legislator said.

Apart from anti-incumbency, lack of understanding and proper coordination among party leaders and workers appeared to have affected the poll prospects of BJD, he said.

Biswal said he had met Naveen Patnaik in the run up to the elections and apprised him about the ground situation.

Speaking at the event held at Mahanadi Vihar in Cuttack, the senior leader was also stated to have criticised BJD organisational secretary Pranab Prakash Das and bureaucrat-turned-politician V K Pandian.